The two tech giants are collaborating on a standard for Android and iOS that will alert users when AirTags or other Bluetooth trackers are following them.

Apple and Google have published a joint press release, and a first draft of the standard has also been published. The goal is to build an alert system into Android and iOS that notifies users of Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s AirTags. This is intended to prevent “undesirable tracking” of people. In addition to Apple and Google, Samsung and Tile also support the project.

stalking

Apple launched the AirTags in 2021. You can attach the small Bluetooth trackers to your keys to locate them via your smartphone. But soon after launch, spectacular stories surfaced in the media about how the AirTags were also being used to stalk people. “Bluetooth has tremendous benefits for the user, but also the potential for unwanted tracking. The entire industry needs to work together to solve this problem,” Android engineer David Burke said in a press release.

To prevent people from being tracked, Apple already built security mechanisms into the Find My app, but a separate and less good application had to be developed for Android users. That’s why Google and Apple are now joining forces to set up a common system for the operating systems. Of course, the project not only targets AirTags, but also Bluetooth trackers from other manufacturers such as Tile.

The system will be integrated by default in future versions of Android and iOS. As a user, you won’t have to look in the settings to activate it, the press release promises. More will likely become clear during next week’s Google I/O and Apple WWDC in June. During the events, Google and Apple will present the latest versions of their mobile operating systems.